Code of Conduct

1. Purpose

A primary goal of conFUSE is to be inclusive to the largest number of contributors, with the most varied and diverse backgrounds possible. As such, we are committed to providing a friendly, safe and welcoming environment for all, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ability, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and religion (or lack thereof).

This code of conduct outlines our expectations for all those who participate in our community, as well as the consequences for unacceptable behavior.

We invite all those who participate in conFUSE to help us create safe and positive experiences for everyone.

2. Open Gamer Citizenship

A supplemental goal of this Code of Conduct is to increase open gamer citizenship by encouraging participants to recognize and strengthen the relationships between our actions and their effects on our community.

Communities mirror the societies in which they exist and positive action is essential to counteract the many forms of inequality and abuses of power that exist in society.

If you see someone who is making an extra effort to ensure our community is welcoming, friendly, and encourages all participants to contribute to the fullest extent, we want to know.

3. Expected Behavior

The following behaviors are expected and requested of all community members:

Participate in an authentic and active way. In doing so, you contribute to the health and longevity of this community.

Exercise consideration and respect in your speech and actions.

Attempt collaboration before conflict.

Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior and speech.

Be mindful of your surroundings and of your fellow participants. Alert community leaders if you notice a dangerous situation, someone in distress, or violations of this Code of Conduct, even if they seem inconsequential.

Remember that community event venues may be shared with members of the public; please be respectful to all patrons of these locations.

Clean up after yourself.

4. Unacceptable Behavior

The following behaviors are considered harassment and are unacceptable within our community:

Violence, threats of violence or violent language directed against another person

If a community member engages in unacceptable behavior, the community organizers may take any action they deem appropriate, up to and including a temporary ban or permanent expulsion from the conFUSE community without warning (and without refund in the case of a paid event).

6. Reporting Guidelines

If you are subject to or witness unacceptable behavior, or have any other concerns, please notify a community organizer as soon as possible or speak with a conFUSE volunteer (green conFUSE badge ribbon).

Community organizers can be reached at the following email addresses during and after the con:

Additionally, community organizers are available to help community members engage with local law enforcement or to otherwise help those experiencing unacceptable behavior feel safe. In the context of in-person events, organizers will also provide escorts as desired by the person experiencing distress.

7. Addressing Grievances

If you feel you have been falsely or unfairly accused of violating this Code of Conduct, you should notify conFUSE with a concise description of your grievance. Your grievance will be handled in accordance with our existing governing policies.

Appealing

Only permanent resolutions (such as bans) may be appealed. To appeal a decision of the working group, contact conFUSE with your appeal and the conFUSE board will review the case.

8. Photography and Video

Please be aware that photographs, video and audio recordings will occur, and that members likenesses may appear in these recordings. Attending conFUSEcon constitutes an agreement by members and visiting professionals a use of their likeness for conFUSEcon promotional material without compensation.

9. Minor Attendees

Children are welcome to attend all conFUSEcon events, but all attendees under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. In addition, when registering for any event, attendees under the age of 13 must provide parent or guardian information should conFUSE staff need to contact them.

10. Communication

Occasionally (not more than once per month) conFUSEcon will email you with general information about upcoming events. These emails can be opted out of at any time, but we'll be sad to see you go.

11. Scope

We expect all community participants (contributors, paid or otherwise; sponsors; and other guests) to abide by this Code of Conduct in all community venues—online and in-person—as well as in all one-on-one communications pertaining to community business.

This code of conduct and its related procedures also apply to unacceptable behavior occuring outside the scope of community activities when such behavior has the potential to adversely affect the safety and well-being of community members.